ABSTRACT
In the last 30 years, distance education in Africa has changed from being perceived by many as second rate to being an acceptable alternative for adults wishing to acquire new qualifications or upgrade their skills without leaving their jobs and their families (Perraton 1993). Distance education generally has enabled African countries to address problems of illiteracy, population growth, agriculture, and health. The use of communication technologies has continuing potential for addressing urgent issues such as the spread of HIV/AIDS, child survival, education, the skyrocketing refugee population, and the democratization of political systems.
